The only person I know who made a living as a model in Japan (as opposed to a couple of other people who did occasional jobs there) had forged a relatively successful career in Europe first. Her agency dealt with portfolios, etc.. She never had to go to a casting or had any need to tout for work there. This was in the early 90s. She then got married to a rich business man and had a pretty lousy marriage .

Perhaps you could get involved with projects by fashion students in your own country first. Taking part as a volunteer for some interesting fashion shows or photo-shoots by some dynamic students should net you a collection of interesting photos (including clippings featured in the press and media) which will help you turn your collection of photos into an interesting portfolio. My ex-boyfriend got roped into modelling for Mulberry because a friend of ours needed a hand, and this is someone who had absolutely no interest in modelling for a career. Go to a big city and keep abreast of the local 'scene' - go to the best clubs, make friends, be imaginative in how you dress; people will ask to photograph you and you'll feature in some style magazines... that's how it works in London anyway. It's not that hard.

You'll likely have much more success in Asia if you can demonstrate that you've already enjoyed a degree of success/had interest shown in you in your own country!

(I'll guess that this isn't the advice you wanted to hear though.)